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Wisconsin Hospital Association data show a 67% reduction since 2008 in central-line infections in medical centers in the state that had initiatives to lower their rates. Nationally, the figure declined 41%. The report also found that 62% of Wisconsin hospitals were not assessed Medicare penalties for repeat hospitalizations, and bedsore rates were down 66% at hospitals with reduction efforts.

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The rate of neonatal, pediatric and adult central-line associated bloodstream infections in New York hospitals fell 53% from 2007 to 2012, while the rate of surgical site infections for certain procedures declined 16%, according to a report from the state's Department of Health. Surgical intensive care units achieved the largest reduction in CLABSI rates. Meanwhile, hospitals that began using a more sensitive diagnostic test for Clostridium difficile saw their rates for the infection rise since 2010, but rates fell for hospitals that did not change testing methods.

The University of Wisconsin Hospital is participating in the Benefits of Universal Glove and Gowning study, so physicians, nurses and visitors must wear gloves and gowns when seeing all ICU patients to help prevent the spread of infection. Some of the hospitals in the study only require the garb for patients with certain infections, but UW Hospital and nine other facilities will continue to suit up for all patients in select ICUs through September, when infection rates will be totaled and compared.

Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y., said its pediatric ICU has been working with the Quality Transformation Network to reduce and prevent cases of central-line infections in hospitalized children. Since becoming part of the network, the pediatric ICU has not had a case of central-line infection for almost a year. The hospital also said its hematology/oncology unit went 291 days without a central-line bloodstream infection.